LANSING, MI (WTVB) – The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office announced on Thursday that the City of Coldwater has been accepted to the Certified Local Government program, following confirmation from the National Park Service.
The City of Coldwater thus becomes Michigan’s 42nd CLG community. State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan Schumaker said, “We look forward to working with them to identify and preserve those buildings, structures, and sites that are important to Coldwater’s unique history.”
According to a press statement from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Certified Local Government program is a partnership among local, state, and national governments focused on promoting historic preservation at the local level. The National Park Service administers the program in coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office. Certification makes the City of Coldwater eligible for specialized technical assistance and programming from that office.
Participation in the CLG program also makes the community eligible for federal grants provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior. These grants may be used for a variety of preservation activities.
City Manager Keith Baker says, “The City of Coldwater is proud to be a Certified Local Government and we look forward to deepening our commitment to historic preservation with the guidance and support of CLG program staff. Preservation-based economic development is another way to help maintain the integrity of our architecture and preserve our unique history.”
Director of the Branch County Economic Growth Alliance and Coldwater Main Street Audrey Tappenden added, “As a Main Street Select Level community, the CLG program will equip us with the tools to enhance the character of the downtown and the adjacent historic districts, and provide our building and business owners with critical resources.”
Coldwater established the Downtown Coldwater Local Historic District in 2010 and the accompanying Historic District Commission to help manage change in this area, which is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The city boasts four other National Register historic districts and seven individual listings. (Photo: City of Coldwater, provided by Combs Drone Services)
Comments